In partnership with the Wellness Foundation, the programme "My Health, My School and I" aims to implement a wellness culture within the school community in Bulgaria. Educational sessions and activities are organised in schools in an effort to counter the current unhealthy eating habits, malnutrition and low levels of physical activity of adolescents which the Bulgarian Ministry of Health accounts for in its report "Health of the Nation in the Dawn of the 21st Century" published in 2004.
The Health Ministry's report also states a significant increase of respiratory ailments and allergies and an increase in the number of young people suffering from obesity, high blood pressure and other anomalies. The socio-economic situation in the country shapes the lack of consideration Bulgarians tend to give health and sickness prevention. Promotion of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle would greatly increase wellness awareness among the population.
The programme "My Health, my School and I" is part of a permanent project called "Wellness at School", created in accordance with the major goals and priorities of the Wellness Foundation. The project develops numerous other wellness programmes, supporting and stimulating health and wellness awareness among school aged children. The long-term objective of the programme is to implement a pilot-model of health and wellness education in schools.
The involvement of the students in the realisation of the programme's events has proved to be an excellent way of fostering mutual respect, partnership and tolerance towards others, along with the building of team spirit and belonging to the community.
Activities include:
- Out-of-curriculum activities related to healthy eating, nutrition and physical activity for students (workshops, lectures, educational games, health festivals, sports events, etc.);
- Development of group activities and team spirit, through the creation of clubs, competitions, focus groups and other school events.